Maafushivaru is a small charming, natural, ‘no news, no shoes’ kind of resort. The type of resort that you expect when you think of this tropical destination.
From the moment I stepped on the resort, I felt at home! The Manager and all the staff really make you feel very welcome. The hospitality is genuine and sincere, it is very tranquil with no stress at all. The Atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly and all the guests (British, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean are just a few of the nationalities I encountered) all seem at ease with each other and greet each other warmly.
Everywhere you walk (apart from the Villa’s, the Spa and the 135 degrees East Restaurant) is sand floors. The reception, bars, main restaurant and lounge area are all sand floors.
The Beach Villas are spacious with semi open-air bathrooms and small private terrace. The décor is white and fresh looking and you have all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay (but without all the flash gadgets and technology the more luxurious newer resorts have).
The Water Villas have similar décor and furnishings, with the exception that the bathroom in enclosed and they are fitted with a bath tube as well as a shower. You can open the windows by the tube to give you a feeling of open air. All have small private decking with sunbeds and direct access to the fabulous lagoon.
The island is surrounded by the white stunning beach. There is a sea wall that protects part of the island which whilst it is not pretty to look at, at low tied it is there to protect the island and is only surrounding part of the island.
The house reef is stunning with table top corals and an abundance of sea life. You can swim out to the outer reef where the water will become quite deep quickly. The resort also has its own Marine Biologist who joins guests on snorkelling excursions.
The Spa offers a variety of different treatments, including body massages, facials and herbal baths. The therapist are excellent and the price are reasonable as well.
The main restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner serving buffet style meals with a great variety of choice. The waiters are friendly and efficient and quickly remember your names and what your preferences in terms of drinks are. My waiter was Shah and after lunch on day one, he knew how I liked by tea and I didn’t even have to ask for it at dinner. He brought it automatically for me.
I ate with the Manager Ronald in the 135 degrees East Restaurant, which is the Teppanyaki Restaurant. It was amazing. The Chef Robert was not only a great Chef but he was entertaining as well. I would highly recommend guests try this at least once during their stay. It’s not included in the All-inclusive meal plan but it is well worth treating yourself at least once.
A stay on Maafushivaru would not be complete without a visit to Lonubo ‘Maafushivaru’s little secret’ and private island. It is absolutely stunning! This private picnic island is open to all Maafushivaru guests to visit daily for relaxing or snorkelling. Guests can book private picnics on the island or private dinners as well. Hire this small piece of paradise for a few hours or stay overnight in one of the two private villas. Have you own ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience!
Overall Maafushivaru is absolutely stunning and a real piece of paradise. Part of me wishes there were more small islands like this in the Maldives but then again, maybe Maafushivaru wouldn’t feel so special if there were. The resort offers fabulous service, great staff, fantastic location, amazing snorkelling and really is a perfect little gem in the Indian Ocean.
Thank you Ronald (General Manager) and all your wonderful team for an amazing stay. I won’t leave it too long for my next visit!